Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies celebrates half century of academic excellence

Thursday, 26 June 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Venerable Senior (Chair) Professor Madavachchiye Dhammajothi Thero

Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof (centre) presented with memento

The Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, affiliated with the University of Kelaniya and established in 1975, ceremonially commemorated its fifty-year academic legacy on the 21 June 2025.

The event was graced by the Western Province Governor Haniffa Yusuf; the Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; and the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwawatta.

Approximately 400 local and international scholars—both lay and monastic—along with invited guests and researchers, participated in this significant occasion.

To mark this golden jubilee, an international conference was held under the theme ‘Buddhist Doctrine and Modernity’. A felicitation ceremony was also organised to honour all past and present members whose contributions have shaped the Institute’s growth and development. During the ceremony, honours and certificates of recognition were presented to distinguished individuals.

A notable moment in the proceedings was the official launch of the Institute’s new website by University of Kelaniya Vice-Chancellor Senior Professor Nilanti Renuka De Silva.

Additionally, several institutional publications were unveiled, including the 2024 volume of Anveṣaṇā, presented by Chair of the Conference Sessions and Editorial Board Senior Professor Wasantha Priyadarshana to the Director of the Institute, Venerable Senior Professor (Chair) Madavachchiye Dhammajothi Thero.

Another significant highlight was the ceremonial presentation of a scholarly publication authored by the Director, titled “A Glossary of Buddhist Technical Terms: Pāli – Sanskrit – Chinese and Tibetan,” which was formally offered to the distinguished assembly.

Addressing the gathering, Venerable Senior (Chair) Professor Madavachchiye Dhammajothi Thero reflected on the grave crises confronting today’s society—such as war, theft, corruption, and fraud—asserting that the root cause lies in the failure to develop human spiritual and moral values alongside rapid technological and communicative advancement.

The Director acknowledged the commendable efforts of President Anura Kumara Disanayake to revitalise the national economy, particularly the emphasis placed on upholding the rule of law. He emphasised that such endeavours must be complemented by a foundation rooted in Buddhist moral principles.

He further observed that while parents increasingly focus on nurturing intellectual prowess in their children, they often neglect moral development. Consequently, society risks producing individuals who are intellectually gifted yet lacking in ethical character. He warned that neglecting essential human values such as compassion, loving-kindness, and empathy—while fostering selfishness, greed, and moral decay—would be detrimental to societal well-being.

Venerable Dhammajothi Thero also acknowledged the sincere efforts of Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, to reform the nation’s education system. In this context, he proposed that primary education be reorganised with a strong emphasis on moral and ethical instruction.

In closing, he affirmed the readiness of the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies to provide guidance and support for such a noble initiative.

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